UPLBLMM: The Agape Issue 2 by THE AGAPE

THE AGAPE

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE UPLB LISIEUX MUSIC MINISTRY

BIYAHENG LISYU: A JOURNEY TOWARDS KNOWING LISIEUX SERENADE OF MEMORIES

ABOUTTHE AGAPE

NURTURING THE SOUL: A SERIES OF FORMATION TALKS

THEME SONG NG BUHAY MO (A Simbahan Edition)

UPLB LMM GA elects new set of officers for A Y 2024-2025

HOW THE DOOR OPENS FOR SIX NEW HEARTS

THE AGAPE

TABThe Agape is the UPLB Lisieux Music Ministry’s Official Newsletter. After several terms of being inactive, The Agape faces it’s revival with UPLB LMM’s current set of members.

UPLB Lisieux Music Ministry

@lisieuxmusicministry

@uplblisieux

WHAT'S NEXT FOR LISYU?

@uplblisieux

BIYAHENG LISYU: A JOURNEY TOWARDS KNOWING LISIEUX

The UPLB Lisieux Music Ministry held its biannual orientation for incoming applicants to the organization on February 22, 2024, at the Clothing and Textile Laboratory, DHFDS, UPLB. This is the initial program to start the application process for the organization, held every first month of the semester, to orient aspiring members of the organization as well as give inspiration for people to join the organization

After confirming the attendees' presence via registration, the program started with the opening prayer, with the members singing “One Thing I Ask ” The emcees, Alexandra Serrano and Pamela Vega, of Batch Christus Vivit, then opened the program with greetings and handed the floor over to the Minister of the term, Jazel Bustrillo, for the opening remarks

UPLBLMMmemberswithorienteesduringtheSecondSemesterOrientationatthe ClothingandTextileLaboratory,DHFDS-CHE,UPLB Feb22

After the opening remarks, the first game for the orientation was initiated, which was “Guess the Song.” The game master, Geoffrey Lapaña, played instrumentals of various songs, both secular and nonsecular, had the attendees guess the title of the song, and made them sing it. The correct guesser was then awarded with vouchers for Half Page Haven, a study hub located inside Centro

Following the game, the UPLB LMM Profile video was then shown to the attendees, highlighting the activities, objectives, and other details of the organization After the video, the members prepared for their first intermission, singing the song “Take and Receive ”

As the time was getting late, dinner was served after a prayer. After the dinner, Jhim Brethren (JB JB) Dela Cruz gave a testimony about his experience with the organization as part of the program He shared various things, such as why he joined the organization and what it means to serve the Lord, among others

As JBJB finished his testimony, the second game was started: “I Wanna Be a Tutubi,” a game where people move a rock secretly between their hands, and the attendees must guess where the rock is hidden Like the first game, winners were awarded a voucher for access to Half Page Haven

After the game, Gabriel Medalla, an alumnus of the organization, gave his testimony about his experiences in the organization from a different perspective. As someone who has already graduated from college and is still attending organization activities, he shared his experiences from the moment he joined up until recently

After the second testimony, the members prepared for another intermission, now singing the song “Paghahandog ng Sarili ” After the intermission, the Membership Committee Head, Jiro Octavo, explained the frequently asked questions about the organization, such as who can join, what will be needed, etc He then proceeded to entertain the other questions the attendees had, as well as make a few announcements

To end the program, our very own senior adviser, Sir CL Aquino, presented the closing remarks of the orientation, and ended with the closing player, as the UPLB LMM sang “Ama Namin” by Fr. Rene Oliveros.

Article by: Geoffrey Lapaña

JazelBustrillo(Minister)givingher openingremarks

GamemasterGeoffreyLapaña explainingtheinstructionsofthegame

JhimBrethren(JBJB)DelaCruzgiving histestimonybytellinghisexperiences inUPLBLMMasResidentMember

GabrielMedallagivinghistestimony bytellinghisexperiencesinUPLBLMM asAlumnusMember

JiroOctavo(MembershipCommittee Head)answeringquestionsaboutthe OrientationFAQs

Emcees:PamelaVegaandAlexandra Serrano

Orientation Photo Dump Orientation Photo Dump

Alexandra Dela Cruz

SerenadeofMemories

In the mosaic of life, we cross paths anew, Strangers, now friends, with a world to imbue, With laughter and stories, our spirits take flight, Creating sweet memories, from day into night.

Through trials and triumphs, together we stand, A woven support, like the grains of the sand, In joy and in sorrow, through calm and through storm, Our bond is a beacon, so steadfast and warm.

When shadows grow long, and the night seems so vast, Your presence reminds me, this too shall pass, For in your embrace, I find strength and grace, A refuge, a solace, a cherished safe place.

With hearts intertwined, we traverse life's span, Grateful for moments, as only friends can, For the gift of your friendship, a treasure so true, I carry a piece of each memory with you.

Nurturing the Soul: A Series of Formation Talks

Article by: Alexandra Dela Cruz

This semester has been a period of spiritual growth and enlightenment for the UPLB Lisieux Music Ministry, marked by a series of inspiring formation seminars These events have not only enriched the members' understanding of spirituality and music in the liturgy but have also fostered a deeper sense of community and purpose within the organization

Pray for the Synod of Synodality

On Thursday, April 11, the Devotional Chapel of St Thérèse, Diocesan Shrine of St Therese of the Child JesusUPLB (DSSTCJ), became a hub of reflection and prayer as Rev. Fr. Christian Dale Dakila led this semester's Formation Seminar. The seminar, titled “Pray for the Synod of Synodality,” focused on the importance of communication grounded in the word of God to ensure inclusivity in our spiritual journey.

Fr Dale's talk was a profound exploration of the Synod, emphasizing how the word of God serves as a foundation for leaving no one behind His insights and guidance resonated deeply with attendees, providing a renewed sense of purpose and unity within the ministry

Hearts for the Liturgy: Lex Credendi | Lex Orandi | Lex Vivendi

Continuing our journey of spiritual and musical formation, the UPLB Lisieux Music Ministry hosted Bro Angelo Lorenzo Salvacion, an honorary member of our organization, for a series of talks on Music in the Liturgy The first part of this series, titled “Hearts for the Liturgy: Lex Credendi | Lex Orandi | Lex Vivendi,” took place on Wednesday, April 24, at Room 203, CEAT.

Bro. Angelo's talk delved into the integral relationship between belief, prayer, and living one's faith. His discussion provided valuable insights into how music in the liturgy can enhance and reflect these principles, enriching both personal spirituality and communal worship

Ad Deum Per Musicam (To God Through Music)

The second part of the Formation Talks, “Ad Deum Per Musicam (To God Through Music),” was held on May 8, 2024, in Room B-203, CEAT, with Bro Angelo Lorenzo Salvacion once again leading the session This talk focused on the power of music as a conduit for divine connection and worship.

Bro. Angelo’s engaging and insightful discussion illuminated how music serves as a bridge to the divine, enhancing our spiritual experiences and drawing us closer to God. His expertise and passion for the subject were evident, leaving attendees inspired and motivated to integrate these concepts into their musical and spiritual practices

Fr DaleDakilaexplainingtheimportanceofcommunicationgrounded inthewordofGodtoensureinclusivityinourspiritualjourney

Psallite Sapienter (Sing in an Understable Way: Sing with Understanding)

On May 22, 2024, the UPLB Lisieux Music Ministry had the privilege of hosting the third part of our Formation Talks series, titled "Psallite Sapienter (Sing in an Understandable Way: Sing with Understanding) " Held at the serene Devotional Chapel of St Therese, Diocesan Shrine of St Therese of the Child Jesus - UPLB (DSSTCJ), this session was led by our esteemed honorary member, Bro Albert Lorenzo Salvacion

Bro Albert's presentation delved into the profound significance of singing with understanding in the context of liturgical music He eloquently articulated how clarity and intentionality in vocal expression can enhance the spiritual experience of worshipers, fostering a deeper connection with the sacred.

UPLBLMMmemberswithFr DaleDakilaaftertheFormationSeminartitled “PrayfortheSynodofSynodality” April11

His insights resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting not only the technical aspects of music but also the spiritual and communal dimensions that accompany it Through engaging examples and personal reflections, as Bro Albert also took his time teaching the ministry how to sing some of his arrangements

UPLBLMMmemberswithBro Albertafterhisthirdformationseminartitled“PsalliteSapienter(Singinan UnderstableWay:SingwithUnderstanding)”

Theme Song ng Buhay Mo

A Simbahan Edition

Music is very much a part of our lives. With the many sounds all around us, it is no wonder how our diverse selection of music came to be. This study therefore aims to…. Ano raw?

CHAROT! Napaka-seryoso naman ng aking dear reader.

Pero totoo nga, musika ay hindi mawawala sa mga okasyon tulad ng binyag, kaarawan, piyesta, o kahit sa mga huling hantungan Ngunit sa kasalukuyang panahon, isa sa mga popular na gamit ng musika ay ang mga theme song Makikita natin ang mga ito sa mga pelikula, teleserye, teledrama, pati na rin sa Teletubbies (hehe) Ang mga theme song ay nagbibigay kulay sa iba't ibang eksena sa ating mga karanasan

Ngunit gaya ng lahat ng bagay, kailangang may tamang paggamit ng theme song Hindi pwedeng habang naglalaban si Cardo Dalisay ay tumutugtog ang "This Guy's in Love With You, Pare" ng Parokya ni Edgar (iba talaga ang love language nila, mag-away) O kaya naman, habang nag-aaway sina Vilma Santos at Carlo Aquino, may background music na "Maling Akala" ng Brownman Revival. At higit sa lahat, paano kung umamin ng pagmamahal alaJohn Lloyd Cruz pero ang background music ay "Babaero" ni Randy Santiago?

Ramil Cedric Juloc

Pero ang punto ay may mga espesyal na theme songs para sa mga espesyal na eksena Ganun din sa ating mga buhay Sa bawat yugto ng ating buhay, may mga kanta tayong itinatakda bilang theme song para sa mga ito Ngayon, titingnan natin kung ano ang mga kantang pang-simbahan na maaaring maging theme songs sa ating mga buhay Simulan natin sa:

SA MGA PANAHON NG PAGHAHANAP (Song choice: Panginoon, Maawa Ka by Manoling Francisco)

Minsan sa ating mga buhay, nahahanap natin ang ating mga sarili na naghahanap ng mga bagay na hindi natin mahanap (ano raw?).

Maging pera man, kaligayahan, tagumpay, jowa, o tamang sagot sa exam, napakarami nang pagkakataon sa buhay natin na tayo ay naghahanap, at sa tuwing hindi na natin sila mahanap, Siya naman ang ating hinahanap (hanep sa dami ng hanap) Kung ikaw ay nasa panahong ito ng iyong buhay aba ang mamumungkahi kong kanta sa iyo ay ang Panginoon, Maawa Ka ni Manoling Francisco Sapagkat kapag tuwing hindi natin mahanap ang ating mga hinahanap, better to ask the Lord than your mother, at least kay Lord, yes or no lang isasagot sa’yo. Meanwhile si mother dear, aba baka masabihan ka pang burara at mabigyan ka pa ng sermon na daig pa ang rosaryo sa haba.

SA MGA PANAHON NA

NAKAHANAP NA (Song choice: Papuri sa Diyos by Ryan Cayabyab)

Siyempre mayroon din na mga pagkakataong na nakakamit na natin ang mga gusto natin sa buhay Madali lamang makita sa paligid kung sino sila Nakangiti? Check! Mukhang blooming? Check! May kaholding hands? Che! (charot) Pero lagi’t lagi, sa mga panahong ito ay tila ba walang hanggan ang pasasalamat natin sa Panginoon Kaya, kung ikaw ay may kapitbahay na hindi naman palasimba, ngunit bigla mo nakita sa simabahan, aba’y dalawa lang yan: either dun siya sa number 1, o dito siya sa number 2 Pakinggan mo na lamang kung saan siya malakas kumanta Kung rinig na rinig mo siya sa Kyrie, aba’y isabay mo na lamang nawa ang kaluluwa niya sa iyong mga dasal Pero kung malakas siya sa ating song choice sa category na ito na “Luwalhati sa Diyos” ni Ryan Cayabyab, aba’y mag-ready ka na maging plastik at magpakalapit-lapit ka na sakanya, nang mabigyan ka rin ng biyaya.

SA MGA PANAHON NG

PAGSISISI (Song choice: “Paghahandog ng Sarili” by Eduardo P Hontiveros)

Hay, sakto at nasa panghuling yugto na tayo at sabi ng nila, “nasa huli ang talunan”… ay mali “nasa huli ang pagsisisi”. (Pareho lang yun, may talunan bang hindi nagsisisi at may nagsisisi bang hindi talunan?)

Sa yugtong ito ng ating mga buhay, ay naalala natin ang mga kamalian at mga kasalanan natin sa buhay. Maling desisyon sa pera, sa career, sa pag-aaral, at higit sa lahat, sa pag-ibig

Sabi nga naman sa isang homily, ang theme song daw ng mga unhappy couples ay “Paghahandog ng Sarili” by Eduardo J Hontiveros, at ang pinakasikat na parte ng kanta ay hindi ang chorus. No no, mga kapatid, ang pinakasikat na parte ng kanta ay ang unang dalawang lines, “Kunin mo O Diyos, at tanggapin Mo” sabay tingin sa asawa. Like I always say (sinungaling) sa mundong bawal ang divorce, ipakuha mo na lang kay Lord.

Serious time muna tayo mga kapatid Karamihan sa naisulat dito ay pabirong kutya lamang sa ating mga ganap sa buhay Hindi lahat ng pangyayari ay masaya; may masalimuot din Ang nais kong sabihin ay huwag kalimutan ang Panginoon sa ating araw-araw na paglakad sa mundong ito Tulad ng sabi, “religious music is a form of prayer ” Masaya man o malungkot ang buhay, tandaan nating nariyan Siya para sa atin Ang mga kantang nabanggit ay mga simbolo lamang Kung hindi mo alam paano dasalin o sabihin sa Kaniya ang iyong ninanais, then sing! For whenever we sing, we pray twice Music is all around us Amen?

UPLB LMM GA elects new set of officers for A.Y. 2024-2025

Article by: Jaren Adriel Ignacio

Los Baños, LAGUNA - On May 29, the General Assembly (GA) of the UPLB Lisieux Music Ministry (UPLB LMM) elected a new set of officers of the Executive Committee (ExeCom) for the upcoming Academic Year 2024-2025

Minister-elect Dani Costales obtained a total of 18 votes and 3 abstain votes on the first round of voting and the Deputy Minister-elect Alex Dela Cruz accumulated 11 votes and 5 abstain votes on the voting round after the special nomination Secretary-elect Pamela Vega garnered 10 votes and 3 abstain votes while the Treasurer-elect Adrian Cueto won after the voting round after special nomination by obtaining 14 votes and 2 abstain votes.

Also included in the new roster of committee heads are Geoffrey Lapaña - SERVICE COMMITTEE (20 votes), Vince Aro - OUTREACH COMMITTEE (16 votes), Jazel BustrilloMEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE (16 votes), Edriz Oblepias - FINANCE COMMITTEE (20 votes), and Irish Reyes - SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMITTEE (17 votes)

Fromlefttoright DaniCostales(Minister),AlexDelaCruz(DeputyMinister),AlexxSerrano(PRO), PamVega(Secretary),EdrizOblepias(FinanceCommitteeHead),GeoffreyLapaña(Service CommitteeHead),AdrianCueto(Treasurer)andSirChristianLaurenceAquino(AffiliatedAdviser)

For the positions of Public Relations Officer (PRO) and Property Custodian (PC), Alexx Serrano accumulated 19 votes and Glynes Aquino garnered 12 votes respectively

Professor Christian Laurence Aquino - AFFILIATED (16 votes) and Professor Anna Mariel Toledo - NON-AFFILIATED (17 votes) are the elected advisers of the ministry

The position of Formation Committee Head remains unresolved after the sole candidate, Marwin Dotimas

failed to secure the two-thirds confidence of votes on the first two rounds of voting and the candidates for the voting round after the special nomination, Marwin Dotimas and Ramil Juloc are tied after garnering 6 votes

Prior to this, the unresolved position for the Formation Committee Head finally reached a conclusion as Samuel Bautista is set to take part in the executive committee as the Officer-in-Charge for the stated position.

EXE CUT

LISIE UX'S

IVE COM MIT TEE

How the Door opens for Six New Hearts

Article by: Alexandra Dela Cruz

From March 4 to March 23, 2024, the UPLB Lisieux Music Ministry conducted its application process for the 2nd Semester of AY 2023-2024 The process began with an orientation on February 22, 2024, where details of the application were shared with the applicants

The journey started with the applicants' first Tuesday Practice on March 5, held at rooms 4&5 of the Diocesan Shrine of St Therese of the Child Jesus (DSSTCJ) of UPLB This session introduced them to the weekly tradition of the organization Following this, the applicants were classified through a vocalization that showcased their vocal ranges.

TheUPLBLisieuxMusicMinistryresident membersandalumniwiththenapplicantsafter theyconcludedMarch5'sTuesdayPractice

On March 9, Asst. Prof. Christian Laurence Aquino, Lisieux’s Affiliated Adviser, along with alumna Jamela Arizapa, led the Basic Voice Training. This session aimed to teach the applicants the fundamentals of music theory and assist them in learning their assigned batch piece.

Inframe:(fromlefttoright),SirCLAquino,thenew members:TristanDiaz,AngelynnBeo,Nicole Bautista,MatthewCruz,andMonicaCardinio,and alumnaJamelaArizapa

On March 19, the applicants took charge of the Tuesday Practice and led the Wednesday Service on March 20 After the service, the SocioSpiritual Hour was held, fostering closer bonds between the applicants and the members while deepening their spiritual connection.

InvictaArmaafterhavingtheirAcceptance MasslastMarch22,2024

The application process culminated on March 23, 2024, when the six applicants were officially welcomed as members of the UPLB Lisieux Music Ministry The 70th batch, named Invicta Arma, was warmly embraced by the organization

To complete their formation, the applicants attended a seminar on April 11, 2024, in the Devotional Chapel of the Diocesan Shrine of St Therese of the Child Jesus (DSSTCJ), Los Baños, Laguna Rev Fr Christian Dale Dakila led the seminar on “Pray for the Synod of Synodality,” further enriching their spiritual journey

ThemembersofInvictaArma:(upperleftto upperright)MatthewCruz,SamuelBautista, TristanDiaz;(lowerlefttolowerright)Nicole Bautista,AngelynnBeo,MonicaCardinio

InvictaArmaposingforapicturetoconclude theSocio-SpiritualActivitylastMarch22, 2024atCEATB-104

InvictaArmawithRev Fr DaleDakilaafter hisformationseminar“PrayfortheSynodof Synodality"

What's Next for Lisieux?

Article by: Alexandra Dela Cruz

The UPLB Lisieux Music Ministry is gearing up for an extraordinary event that promises to captivate and inspire As the ministry looks ahead to the coming months, it is preparing to revive a beloved tradition that has always held a special place in the hearts of its members This upcoming event will be a celebration of music, faith, and community, and it is set to be a highlight of the year for the organization

While the details remain under wraps, rest assured that the plans in place will make the wait worthwhile The ministry’s team is hard at work, ensuring every aspect contributes to an evening filled with joy, reflection, and spiritual upliftment. Attendees can expect powerful performances, heartfelt messages, and a few surprises that will make this event truly unforgettable.

The ministry encourages everyone to keep an eye out for more details as the date approaches This is an event not to be missed, and there is a shared eagerness to experience it together Mark the calendars and prepare to be moved and insp

As the UPLB Lisieux Music Ministry prepares for this exciting chapter, it also extends its deepest gratitude to the outgoing executive officers Their hard work and dedication have been instrumental in bringing the ministry to this moment Their unwavering service and efforts have laid the groundwork for the exciting future ahead. The ministry thanks them for their invaluable contributions, which will continue to guide and inspire the community.

Additionally, the ministry is thrilled to welcome the new

executive committee and is eager to see how they will lead the organization forward With fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, the new leadership is poised to build on the successes of the past while forging new paths for the future There is great anticipation for the plans they have in store and the positive impact they will undoubtedly have on the ministry’s journey

Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready to join the UPLB Lisieux Music Ministry for an event that promises to be a highlight of the year